Measure declares life begins at fertilization

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill into law to block tax breaks for abortion providers and ban abortions performed solely because of the baby's sex.

The measure signed by the governor Friday also declares that life begins at fertilization.

Some abortion-rights supporters worry that the language in the measure could be used to legally harass providers. Abortion opponents call it a statement of principle and not an outright ban on terminating pregnancies.

In addition to the provisions on taxes and sex-selection abortions, the bill prohibits abortion providers from being involved in public school sex education classes. It spells out in more detail what information doctors must provide to patients seeking abortions.

Many of the provisions take effect in July, but the tax changes take effect for 2014.